Top 6 Bakeries in Knoxville, Tennessee

Whether you're looking for a custom cake for a birthday party or have a sweet tooth and want something fresh and homemade, nothing beats a hometown bakery. Luckily, Knoxville has plenty of options to offer. From authentic Mexican pastries to cute custom cakes and cookies to a coffee shop with pastries perfect for enjoying alongside your favorite hot beverage, there's something for every taste.

GiftYa makes it easy to budget for vacation meals or to surprise a friend or family member with a gift card for a local spot, no matter where you're shopping from. Simply choose a Knoxville bakery and select an amount for your virtual GiftYa card. You can even add a personalized note for your recipient. Hit send, and your gift card is delivered in minutes.

If you're ready to find the perfect bakery to visit during your next trip to Knoxville, or looking for a spot to purchase a gift card to for a friend or family member in the area, keep reading. We're bringing you the top bakeries that Knoxville, Tennessee has to offer.

1. Magpie's

Local bakery with plenty of options for every taste

Image courtesy of Yelp. Cookies, cakes, pies—and plenty of gluten-free options—round out the large selection at this bakery.

846 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917 (https://magpiescakes.com)

With a motto like "All Butter, All the Time," you already know that this bakery values doing things the old-fashioned way. But don't let their commitment to real, delicious sweet treats fool you; they've branched out to provide plenty of gluten-free options to their visitors as well.

Walk-in guests have a chance to choose from a variety of pre-made sweet treats. Their cookies are a popular choice. Made fresh each day and priced starting at just $1.25 a piece or $12 for a dozen, they are available in a changing selection of tasty flavors. Cheesecakes and pies are also available in a rotating selection of seasonal flavors each day. Other options include King Cakes, available in February, Banana Pudding in the summer, Apple Torte Cakes in the Fall, and other seasonal desserts are also available.

If you're looking for something more custom, call ahead for cakes, larger cookie orders, cupcakes, and more. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, wedding, or just want to treat your family to something sweet, Magpie's is a great choice.

"Fantastic bakery. I'm working my way through all the options and loving each item I try. I might be gaining a few lbs but it's worth it. I can't believe how good the cookies, cakes and cupcakes are.  I died and went to heaven.  If I was on death row, I'd request the sprinkle cream pie cookies. Last meal status, for sure. All Butter All The Time, baby!" -Yelp review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/magpies-knoxville?hrid=NcYRU6ZiGgSb-W34irB28A&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Magpie's.

2. Rita's Bakery

Classic bakery serving up fresh-made treats

Image courtesy of Yelp. From holiday treats to tiny cookies you'll want to buy by the pound, Rita's Bakery is known for classic, yummy baked goods.

3023 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918 (https://www.ritasbakery.net)

This family-owned bakery has been serving up sweet homemade treats for nearly 30 years. They specialize in classic, traditional baked goods like thumbprint cookies and petit fours. While you won't find many trendy desserts here, you will find delicious cakes that can be customized with your choice of colors for the buttercream frosting, as well as writing, drawing, and other accents. Custom decorating starts at just $10.

If you don't have a big event in mind but are in the mood for something sweet, you can always stop in to check out their bakery case. Seasonally decorated cookies, small cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats are available each day.

"I will forever love this bakery! The thumbprint cookies are PHENOMENAL!!! My friends and I all love getting these cookies specifically. They also have great custom designs and other treats. What a great way to support small business and tend to your sweet tooth!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/ritas-bakery-knoxville?hrid=gzIQScnBBfhLmpk0YQm2Zw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Rita's Bakery.

3.  River Dog Bakery

Fresh-baked treats for the four-legged members of your family

Image courtesy of Yelp. Homemade dog treats and other supplies make this a must-stop for any pet parent.

5201 Kingston Pike, Ste 8, Knoxville, TN 37919 (https://riverdogbakery.com)

You won't find chocolate chip cookies or decadent cakes in this bakery. But you will find adorable treats that the four-legged members of your family will certainly find delicious. River Dog Bakery is a local bakery and store specializing in homemade treats for dogs. Their bakery case is packed each day with a variety of fresh-made treats that Fido is sure to love.

Besides their baked goods, you'll also find a variety of pet supplies. From food to toys to beds and more, this is a one-stop shop for pet owners in Knoxville.

"I can't believe it took me so long to get here but what gem! I ordered a birthday brownie for my dog Oliver which he and his sister Pippa LOVED." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/river-dog-bakery-knoxville-2?hrid=VkxWGUfpSrvd3INPSmKSxA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for River Dog Bakery.

4. Honeybee Coffee

Local coffee chain with a daily selection of baked goods

Image courtesy of Yelp. Cookies, cinnamon rolls, and muffins are common daily options in their baked goods case.

700 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 (https://www.honeybeecoffeeco.com)

This local coffee chain is best known for its tasty drink options. Whether you like a classic drip, an iced latte, or a sweet mocha or hot chocolate, there's something for everyone. And while you're enjoying your drink, you can also enjoy a fresh-made bakery item. Great as a snack or a simple breakfast, you can choose from a variety of sweet and savory options, like muffins, bread, cookies, scones, and more. While the selection is small compared to other bakeries on this list, everything is fresh and tasty, and the options rotate frequently, so you never know what delicious option you might find when you stop in.

There are actually three Honeybee Coffee locations throughout the greater Knoxville, Tennessee area, so odds are that you have one within a close drive no matter where you are staying in the city.

"Love this little place! They have some really yummy pastries & it has a great vibe inside." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/honeybee-coffee-knoxville?hrid=eFXvr5YPzWve-HNgK4mI-g&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Honeybee Coffee.

5. La Flor Mexican Bakery

Fresh, authentic Mexican pastries and desserts

Image courtesy of Yelp. Authentic Mexican pastries that look as great as they taste.

4809 Newcom Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919 (https://www.facebook.com/Laflormexicanbakery/)

This small, family-owned bakery is one of Knoxville's best-kept secrets. Here you'll find a huge selection of homemade, authentic Mexican pastries and other baked goods. Whether you love chocolate, cinnamon, or prefer something more savory, there's a sweet treat waiting for you.

Besides pastries, La Flor also offers custom cakes available in a wide variety of colors, designs, and styles. This is a popular spot for custom desserts, so be sure to order ahead to make sure that you can get your cake!

"If you are looking for authentic Mexican bread then look no further. I am from the southwest and this place is just as good as what I can get from my home town." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-flor-mexican-bakery-knoxville?hrid=deG1ZIFW3akgbbuQLuIxcg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for La Flor Mexican Bakery.

6. Mer Mers Bakery

Hometown bakery offering custom cakes, cookies, and more

Image courtesy of Yelp. From birthday cakes to cookie favors for weddings and parties, Mer Mers Bakery is Knoxville's go-to for custom orders.

617 N Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37917 (http://www.mermersbakery.com)

This small bakery specializes in custom cakes, cookies, and other dessert orders. While their daily selection isn't large, they do offer some sweet treats that you can anytime they're open when you're in the mood for a sweet treat. In addition to cakes and sugar cookies, you can also order other custom desserts, like petit fours, thumb print cookies, and pound cake.

"Ordered excellent, slightly lemon-flavored Tennessee state cookies for the Vols/SC game. The cookies and service were great... even if the Vols couldn't pull off the win." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/mer-mers-bakery-knoxville?hrid=Svsdka9_gC2pN8ToShufwA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mer Mers Bakery.

Whether you're looking for a sweet snack or want to order some delicious homemade pastries, cookies, or a cake for an event, you have plenty of bakery options to choose from in Knoxville, Tennessee. Try one or a plan a bakery trail adventure to sample each one during your next visit!

7. Wild Love Bakehouse

Neighborhood bakery and coffee shop.

1625 N Central St | Knoxville | wildlovebakehouse.com 

This cozy coffee shop often draws a crowd because of its delicious pastries made in-house. What goes better with a warm coffee than an Almond Croissant? Some of their other popular items are their Morning Bun—classic croissant dough rolled and tossed in sugar and warm spices—and their Blueberry Raspberry Hand Tart—crispy flaky pie dough filled with fresh blueberries and raspberry preserves, essentially their take on a Poptart.

“I appreciate a coffee shop that has an in-house bakery. Frankly this was a whim on my way home and I am glad I came. There was surprisingly a crowd! Coffee and fresh baked goods can not be beat.” - Yelp Review 

Wild Love Bakehouse doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding new restaurants! 

8. Village Bakery

Bakery with an emphasis on freshness.

6202 Chapman Hwy | Knoxville | villagebakeryknoxville.com 

This Knoxville bakery places an emphasis on freshness. Of course all of their cakes, pies, pastries, cookies, and breads are made in-house, but even their icings are made in-house as well! 

Here are a few items guests rave about:

• Thumbprint Cookies—rich, buttery shortbread cookie with an icing center
• Petit Fours—moist, glazed bite sized cake with decorative frosting
• Tennessee Mountain Stack Cake—Apple Stack Cake made with cooked and spiced green apples spread between numerous layers of moist cake

“In my opinion one of the best bakeries in Knoxville if not the best. Everything I have ever ordered has always been delicious and beautiful. All of my cakes for birthdays and special events come from Village Bakery.” - Yelp Review

Village Bakery doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding new restaurants! 

9. Mama C’s Gluten Free Goodies

100% gluten-free bakery.

7355 Chapman Hwy | Knoxville | mamacsglutenfree.com 

This one is for all of the gluten-free foodies out there—you deserve delicious freshly baked goodies too! Luckily, Mama C’s Gluten Free Goodies is a 100% gluten-free bakery where you can enjoy cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and more! They also offer dairy-free, vegan, keto, and paleo treats so that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“Having to eat gluten free can be so frustrating especially when wanting homemade baked goods...Mama C's fills that void! Their bakery is hands down the best I have found with great variety, amazing flavor and affordable prices.” - Yelp Review 

Mama C’s Gluten Free Goodies doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding new restaurants! 

10. Heidi’s Home Cooking

Knoxville’s premier cake bakery.

Fountain City | heidishomecooking.com

This premier cake bakery is based out of custom cake designer and food blogger Heidi’s home. Making wedding cakes is her favorite, but she also enjoys making gorgeous cakes for birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, and graduations. Head over to her Instagram or website to check out some of her amazing cake designs!

“Heidi's cakes and cupcakes are the best around. We have bought dozens of cupcakes, an anniversary cake, cookies and our wedding desserts from her and it's always absolutely amazing. Couldn't be more pleased with her.” - Yelp Review

Heidi’s Home Cooking doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding new restaurants! 

11. Benefit Your Life Gluten-Free Bakery & Cafe

Family-run gluten-free bakery.

10420 Kingston Pike | Knoxville | benefityourlifebakery.com

This family-run gluten-free bakery not only serves gluten-free treats and lunches, they also accommodate a large variety of allergies and diets including dairy-free, egg-free, vegan, paleo and nut-free.

Here you’ll find desserts like cakes and cupcakes, breakfast pastries like cinnamon rolls and muffins, and lunch-time food like chicken salads and gluten-free wraps.

“The cinnamon rolls are out of this world… Our friend who doesn't have to eat gluten-free loved [them]. I am so grateful for this place. Everything is gluten-free and there are items marked dairy-free (MANY items), nut-friendly, egg-free, paleo, and more!” - Yelp Review 

Benefit Your Life Gluten-Free Bakery & Cafe doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding new restaurants! 

Whether you're looking for a sweet snack or want to order some delicious homemade pastries, cookies, or a cake for an event, you have plenty of bakery options to choose from in Knoxville, TN. Try one or plan a bakery trail adventure to sample each one during your next visit! Here’s a summary of all of the Knoxville bakeries you should try on your visit:

• Magpies—our pick for the best of the best bakeries in Knoxville, TN
• Rita’s Bakery
• River Dog Bakery—bakery with sweet treats for your pup!
• Honeybee Coffee
• La Flor Mexican Bakery
• Mer Mer’s Bakery
• Wild Love Bakehouse
• Village Bakery
• Mama C’s Gluten Free Goodies—100% gluten-free bakery
• Heidi’s Home Cooking
• Benefit Your Life Gluten-Free Bakery & Cafe—gluten-free and mostly dairy-free bakery